Status of the Long-Billed Curlew in British Columbia

STATUS OF THE LONG-BILLED CURLEW IN BRITISH COLUMBIA

by Richard J. Cannings

Wildlife Working Report No. WR-96

March 1999

i British Columbia, Canada’s most westerly province, has a bounty of biological diversity. British Columbia’s snowclad peaks, rain-drenched forests, arid grasslands, all sizes of rivers, lakes, and wetlands, and a long and rugged coast provide habitats for more species of living organisms than are found anywhere else in Canada. However, this very diversity means that there is much to be discovered about these organisms — their distribution, abundance, habitat requirements, and interrelationships with their environment. Increasing our knowledge of this biodiversity will help us with the complex task of sustainably managing our land and waters. In 1992, the Provincial Government initiated a co-operative biodiversity research program with funding from the Corporate Resource Inventory Initiative, the British Columbia Ministries of Forests (Research Branch), Environment, Lands, and Parks (Wildlife and Habitat Protection Branches), and Tourism and Culture (Royal B.C. Museum); and the Forest Resource Development Agreement (FRDA II). In 1995, the Ministry of Forests Research Branch and the Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks developed a biodiversity research and extension strategy, with the assistance of the provincial research community. This strategy was presented to Forest Renewal BC (FRBC), who provided funding for a program beginning in 1995. The goal of the extension component of this program is to extend information to scientists, resource managers, and the public through biodiversity publications. These publications are intended to increase awareness and understanding of biodiversity, promote the concepts and impor- tance of conserving biodiversity, and communicate provincial government initiatives related to biodiversity. We hope that they will be used as tools for the conservation of British Columbia’s rich, living legacy.

For more information contact:

B.C. Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks, Wildlife Branch, P.O. Box 9374, Stn. Prov. Govt., Victoria, BC V8W 9M4 or B.C. Ministry of Forests Research Branch, P.O. Box 9519 Stn. Prov. Govt., Victoria, BC V8W 9C2 or Royal B.C. Museum, P.O. Box 9815, Stn. Prov. Govt., Victoria, B.C. V8W 9W2

ii STATUS OF THE LONG-BILLED CURLEW IN BRITISH COLUMBIA

by Richard J. Cannings, R.P.Bio.

Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks Wildlife Branch Victoria, B.C.

Wildlife Working Report No. WR-96

March 1999 “Wildlife Working Reports frequently contain preliminary data, so conclusions based on these may be subject to change. Working Reports receive little review. They may be cited in publications, but their manuscript status should be noted. Copies may be obtained, depending upon supply, from the Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks, Wildlife Branch, P.O. Box 9374 Stn. Prov. Govt., Victoria, BC V8W 9M4.

Canadian Cataloguing in Publication Data Cannings, Richard J. (Richard James) Status of the long-billed curlew in British Columbia

(Wildlife working report ; no. WR-96)

Includes bibliographical references: p.11 ISBN 0-7726-3847-0

1. Curlews Ð British Columbia. I. British Columbia. Wildlife Branch. II. Title. III. Series.

QL696.C48C36 1999 598.33 C99-960127-X

©Province of British Columbia 1999

This project has been funded by the Habitat Conservation Trust Fund. This fund was created to preserve, restore, and enhance key areas of habitat for fish and wildlife throughout British Columbia. Hunters, anglers, trappers and guides contribute to HCTF enhancement projects through licence surcharges. Tax-deductible contributions to assist in the work of HCTF are so received.

ii FOREWORD

In cases where a Wildlife Working Report or Bulletin is also a species’ status report, it may contain a status recommended by the author for the species. This recommended status is the opinion of the author and may not necessarily reflect that of the Wildlife Branch. Official status designation will be made by the Wildlife Branch in consultation with experts, and the data contained in the status report will be considered during the evaluation process.

iii ABSTRACT

The Long-billed Curlew (Numenius americanus) has suffered significant population declines and range contraction over the last 150 years, and remains a species of concern through much of its breeding range. Populations on the Great Plains are apparently more threatened than those in intermontane regions. Long-billed Curlews breed on open grasslands, but will also use ploughed and planted fields during migration, brood-rearing, and even nesting seasons. They prefer habitats with very short grass for nesting, and are quite tolerant of heavy grazing pressure, often preferring grasslands that have been grazed or burned, or even those covered with invasive cheatgrass. Long-billed Curlews are relatively long-lived birds with low annual productivity; breeding sucess often depends on climatic conditions more than other influences. The British Columbia population has declined in some areas such as the Okanagan, but is increasing in others, notably the Rocky Mountain Trench, and is probably stable in the most important breeding grounds on the Chilcotin Plateau. The Long-billed Curlew is on the BC Environment Blue List of vulnerable species, primarily because of its reliance on dry grassland habitat. These grasslands have been affected by grazing for over 130 years and in many areas are threatened by urban and agricultural encroachment. It is recommended that the Long-billed Curlew remain on the BC Environment Blue List.

iv ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This project was funded by the Habitat Conservation Trust Fund. I would like to thank Tom Ethier and Orville Dyer of the Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks, Wildlife Branch, in Penticton for arranging the funding. Essential data were provided by Sydney Cannings and Leah Ramsay at the British Columbia Conservation Data Centre (BC Environment, Victoria) and R. Wayne Campbell of the Wildlife Branch, Victoria. Anna Roberts, Penny Ohanjanian, and Tracey Hooper all gave valuable information and expert advice. Further information came from Jack Bowling (Prince George), Allison Chutter (Merritt), Rick Howie (Kamloops), Anne de Jager (Creston), Nancy Krueger (Prince George), Madelon Schouten (Princeton), Chris Siddle (Vernon), Elsie Stanley (McBride), Julie Steciw (BC Environment, Williams Lake) and Joanne Vinnedge (Fort St. James). The production of this final report (extension project) was made possible through the funding support of Forest Renewal British Columbia (FRBC) and the B.C. Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks, Wildlife Branch. Publication production coordination and final editing were provided by G.F. Harcombe.

v TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION ...... 1 DISTRIBUTION ...... 1 North America ...... 1 British Columbia ...... 1 GENERAL BIOLOGY ...... 3 Reproductive Capability ...... 3 Species Movement ...... 4 Behaviour/Adaptability ...... 4 HABITAT ...... 5 Breeding Habitat ...... 5 Migration and Wintering Habitat ...... 5 Habitat Trends ...... 7 POPULATION SIZE AND TRENDS ...... 7 LEGAL PROTECTION ...... 8 LIMITING FACTORS ...... 8 Urban and Agricultural Developments ...... 8 Grazing ...... 8 Fire Suppression ...... 8 Illegal Shooting ...... 8 Introduction of Alien Species ...... 8 Pesticides ...... 9 Predation ...... 9 Climatic Effects ...... 9 SPECIAL SIGNIFICANCE OF THE SPECIES ...... 9 RECOMMENDATIONS AND MANAGEMENT OPTIONS ...... 10 Habitat Management ...... 10 Habitat Protection ...... 10 Public Education ...... 11 Future Research ...... 11 Population Surveys ...... 11 EVALUATION ...... 11 REFERENCES ...... 11

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1. Breeding and non-breeding ranges of the Long-billed Curlew in North America ...... 2 Figure 2. Breeding range of the Long-billed Curlew in British Columbia ...... 3

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1. Clutch size distributions of British Columbia and Oregon Long-billed Curlew nests...... 4 Table 2. Ecoprovinces, ecoregions and ecosections, biogeoclimatic zones, and broad ecosystem units with Long-billed Curlew breeding habitat in British Columbia...... 6

vi INTRODUCTION northeastern California and north Texas (American Ornithologists Union 1983). It has since been extirpated The Long-billed Curlew (Numenius americanus) is the from much of the eastern part of this range, including largest shorebird in North America. It breeds across the Manitoba, southeastern Saskatchewan, Michigan, prairies and intermontane grasslands of western North Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, eastern Nebraska, America, and has suffered significant declines in both eastern Kansas and coastal Texas (De Smet 1992). It the extent of its breeding range and population size over winters primarily along coasts from central California the last 150 years (De Smet 1992). Early ornithologists (rarely north to southwestern British Columbia) and in British Columbia remarked on population declines as western Florida south through Mexico, with small numbers early as the turn of the century (Brooks 1918, Brooks and found south to Costa Rica (American Ornithologists Union Swarth 1925, Munro and Cowan 1947). The Long-billed 1983, De Smet 1992) and Venezuela (McNeil et al. Curlew is on the BC Environment Blue List of vulnerable 1985). Curlews formerly wintered along the Atlantic coast species, primarily because of its reliance on dry grass- of North America, but these populations apparently land habitat. These grasslands have been impacted by vanished with the disappearance of birds breeding east grazing for over 130 years and in many areas are threatened of the Mississippi (De Smet 1992). by urban and agricultural encroachment (Pitt and Hooper 1994, Hooper and Pitt 1995). British Columbia De Smet (1992) prepared a status report for the Long-billed Curlew in Canada, resulting in a Vulnerable The breeding range in British Columbia extends through- status being assigned to the species by COSEWIC. out the dry grasslands of the province, north at least to Previous studies in British Columbia have dealt with the the Riske Creek area (Campbell et al. 1990) and McBride curlew’s populations and ecology in the Chilcotin region (E. Stanley, pers. comm.). The breeding populations are (Ohanjanian 1987, Hooper and Pitt 1996) and East Kootenay somewhat disjunct, being centred in the following areas: region (Ohanjanian 1985, 1986, 1992). Management guide- 1. East Kootenay Ð 42 pairs in three concentrationsÐ lines for curlews in British Columbia have been outlined Grasmere/Tobacco Plains (12 pairs), St. Mary’s Prairie/ by Hooper and Cooper (1997) and Fraser et al. (n.d.), as Wycliffe (9 pairs), and Skookumchuck Prairie (21 well as in the articles mentioned above. The species has pairs) (Ohanjanian 1985, 1986, 1992). been relatively well studied on its breeding grounds (e.g. Allen 1980, Redmond and Jenni 1986, Pampush and 2. Creston Ð grain fields from Duck Lake south to the US Anthony 1993), but little has been written on its migration border (at least 4 pairs, CDC data, Van Damme 1996). and wintering ecology. 3. South Okanagan-Similkameen Ð Osoyoos north to This status report was commissioned by the BC Penticton, with concentrations at the north end of Environment Wildlife Branch to assess the present status Osoyoos Lake (Road 22 and South Okanagan Wildlife of the Long-billed Curlew throughout British Columbia. Management Area), Inkaneep Indian Reserve east of This report attempts to synthesize all population estimates, Oliver, White Lake and Chopaka. (25 pairs estimated, relevant details of the life history of the species and factors pers. obs.) that may influence its distribution and population size in British Columbia. Information regarding the distribution 4. North Okanagan Ð Swan Lake and the north end of of Long-billed Curlews in British Columbia came from the Okanagan Lake north to Grindrod and east to Lumby. British Columbia Conservation Data Centre (CDC), the (counts of 61 birds in 1982, but only 9 in 1995, British Columbia Nest Record Scheme (BCNRS), and Siddle 1995) from local naturalists. 5. Thompson-Nicola Ð Chase east to Cache Creek (exact limits unknown), with concentrations around Lac du DISTRIBUTION Bois, Beresford, Douglas Lake and the Stumplake Creek drainage south to the Guichon Ranch (50 pairs Two subspecies are currently recognized, a northern estimated R. Howie, pers. comm.) raced (N.a. parvus) breeding in Canda and the northern United States, and the nominate race further south 6. Fraser-Chilcotin-Cariboo Ð The Fraser Valley from (Cannings 1998). Lillooet north to 40 km south of Quesnel and the Chilcotin Valley west to Alexis Creek, perhaps to North America Redstone or even Chilanko Forks (Anna Roberts pers. comm.); concentrations around Dog Creek, Alkali The Long-billed Curlew formerly bred from central Lake, Riske Creek, Hanceville and Alexis Creek (100 British Columbia east to southern Manitoba and south to pairs estimated, T. Hooper, pers. comm.). Migrants

1 often seen in San Jose valley from Williams Lake Apparently suitable habitat exists in several places (Sugarcane) southeast to Lac La Hache, but no evidence without evidence of breeding curlews, including the of nesting there (Anna Roberts, pers. comm.). grasslands northeast of Princeton and south of Nicola Lake. There is only one sight record of migrant curlews 7. McBride Ð a relatively new population; birds first near Princeton (Madelon Schouten, pers. comm.), and seen in 1978, regular in spring since 1982 (about 25 a few records of curlews between Merritt and Nicola Lake pairs, Elsie Stanley pers. comm.). that may have been breeding (Allison Chutter, pers. The breeding populations in the Rocky Mountain comm.). Long-billed Curlews have been reported during Trench (East Kootenay and McBride) and Creston areas the breeding season from grasslands and fields in the apparently represent a relatively recent range extension Kettle Valley between Bridesville and Midway but there since the mid-1970s (Penny Ohanjanian, Elsie Stanley is no evidence of breeding there. Some of these areas pers. comm.). Pairs of Long-billed Curlews have been may lack curlews because the habitat is too hilly, not flat seen in Vanderhoof every spring from 1994 to 1997 (Nancy or gently rolling as the curlews prefer (Hooper and Pitt Krueger, Joanne Vinnedge, pers. comm.), suggesting that a 1996). new breeding population may exist in that area as well. Migrants have been seen in suitable habitat through- Similarly, there have been a number of recent sightings out southern British Columbia, including very small of curlews in the Prince George area (Jack Bowling, numbers more or less annually along the south coast pers. comm.). (Campbell 1972).

Figure 1. Breeding and non-breeding ranges of the Long-billed Curlew in North America. Solid lines outside these ranges show the extent of the former ranges (modified after De Smet 1992). Small numbers of curlews winter south to Costa Rica and Venezuela as well (McNeil et al. 1985).

2 Dark grey = breeding range Light grey = non-breeding

Figure 2. Breeding range of the Long-billed Curlew in British Columbia. Sightings of non-breeding birds are marked with a solid square. Numbers refer to breeding areas mentioned in the text: 1, East Kootenay; 2, Creston; 3, South Okanagan; 4, North Okanagan; 5, Thompson-Nicola; 6, Fraser-Chilcotin; 7, McBride. (Grey = breeding range)

GENERAL BIOLOGY clutches are initiated in April or the first half of May; Reproductive Capability most starts occur in the third week of April (Cannings et al. 1987). Young from a typical nest would thus first fly Long-billed Curlews first breed at an age of 2-3 years for in early July, when the southerly migration of adults is females or 3-4 years for males, and adult birds probably starting; these young birds may not leave until later in live to an age of 10 years on average (Redmond and Jenni July or early August. 1986). There are no data as to the frequency of breeding, Clutch size in British Columbia (Table 1) varies from although territory holders likely attempt to breed annually. 2 to 5 eggs, with a mean of 3.5 and a median of 4 (BCNRS); If a nest is predated or otherwise abandoned, the pair does nests in the Columbia Basin of Oregon had an even higher not usually renest. This is partly due to a lack of time percentage of four-egg clutches (Pampush and Anthony because of the long nesting and fledging periods combined 1993). Redmond and Jenni (1986) found that 42% of with an early migration typical of shorebirds, but may clutches on their Idaho study area were lost to predation also involve physiological constraints. Laying takes 6 days, or other causes, and 60.8% of chicks died before fledging. incubation 28 (Allen 1980), and fledging 41 to 45 days Breeding pairs in Idaho produce an average of 0.5 fledged (Fitzner 1978), for a total of 75 to 78 days. British Columbia young per pair each year (Redmond and Jenni 1986).

3 Table 1. Clutch size distribution of British Columbia and Oregon Long-billed Curlew nests. British Columbia (BC) data is from the British Columbia Nest Records Scheme, Oregon (OR) data from Pampush and Anthony (1993).

Clutch Size Number of BC Frequency in BC Number of OR Frequency in OR nests (%) nests (%)

24 12.9 1 0.9 37 22.5 10 8.9 419 61.3 101 90.2 51 3.2 0 0

The Long-billed Curlew is territorial, but territories peaked in size on 17 June with 250 birds, then decreased tend to be clumped. Hooper and Pitt (1996) found as the birds migrated out of the area for the next two breeding densities of one pair per 125-218 ha on their weeks. By July, only a small group of juveniles was still 5000-ha Chilcotin study area. On a smaller area (1929 present. The migration chronology is likely similar in ha) at the same site, Ohanjanian (1987) estimated a British Columbia, though perhaps later towards the breeding density of one pair per 47-48 ha; Hooper and northern edge of the range in the Chilcotin. Hooper and Pitt’s estimate for the same area ranges from 92-148 ha Pitt (1996) give August 11 as the latest date curlews per pair for 1990, 1991 and 1992. Ohanjanian (1992) were present on their Chilcotin study area. There are calculated breeding densities of one pair per 20-30 ha of very few records of Long-billed Curlews in British suitable habitat at Skookumchuck Prairie in 1985, 1986 Columbia after mid-August (Campbell et al. 1990). and 1992. The large differences between Ohanjanian’s A single bird has wintered at Blackie Spit in south and Hooper and Pitt’s estimates may be due to dif- Surrey from 1990 to 1997. Not including sightings of ferences in calculating the area of suitable habitat used that bird, 48 recent (1982 through 1995) coastal records to calculate the densities. range from April through October, with 18 in April, 12 in Nesting density in Idaho was calculated as one pair May, 2 in June, 4 in July, 7 in August, 3 in September and per 11.9-57.5 ha, with a mean of one pair per 40 ha 2 in October. (Redmond and Jenni 1986). Nests are 250 to 500 m The highest breeding concentrations are in the apart in optimal sites in southern Washington (Allen 1980). Fraser-Chilcotin region, from Big Creek, Dog Creek and Alkali Lake north to the Junction Range and east through Species Movement Riske Creek and Hanceville to Alexis Creek. The only area in this region with any form of habitat protection is Long-billed Curlews are migratory (see Figure 1), returning the Junction Provincial Park (formerly the Junction to their British Columbia breeding grounds in late Wildlife Area), which protects nesting habitat for three March and early April and leaving for wintering areas in or four curlew pairs. A new provincial protected area at late July and early August (Cannings et al. 1987, Campbell Churn Creek may contain curlew breeding habitat as et al. 1990). Small flocks of curlews are often seen on well. Other breeding sites that are protected are the Lac breeding areas in May and early June, well after nesting du Bois area near Kamloops (provincial park), White has begun; these are likely young, non-breeding birds Lake near Okanagan Falls (Nature Trust property), and (Allen 1980, Campbell et al. 1990). There are no staging the South Okanagan Wildlife Management Area north of sites in British Columbia that are known to be used reg- Osoyoos Lake. In all, these areas protect nesting habitat ularly (Campbell et al. 1990), although large flocks are for approximately 10 to 15 pairs of curlews. occasionally seen (e.g. Alkali Lake, 4 April 1968Ð100, Sophie Riedamann; Alkali Lake, 18 July 1978Ð79, Anna Behaviour/Adaptability Roberts; Dog Creek plateau, 7 June 1995Ð107 and 12 June 1995Ð114, Hooper and Cooper 1997). Food Ð Curlews in southern Washington ate large Allen (1980) reported staging flocks gathering in beetles and other insects; they spent much time probing southern Washington in early June, with flocks of up underground, presumably for burrowing insects and larvae to 100 birds present by mid-June. These staging flocks (Allen 1980). Timken (1969) and Sadler and Maher

4 (1976) report curlews eating small bird nestlings (larks High curlew breeding densities in the Chilcotin were also and buntings), but this is likely an uncommon occur- associated with high insect larvae biomass. rence. Ohanjanian (1985, 1992) states that earthworms In Alberta, maximum breeding densities are found on areimportant prey for curlews in the East Kootenay, moderately grazed grasslands on sandy loam (Semenchuck especially in early spring (early April). As the season 1992). In southern Washington, Allen (1980) found 15 progressed, feeding became more efficient on adjacent nests (71%) in cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum)/Sandberg’s native grasslands, where the curlews foraged for beetles bluegrass (Poa sandbergii) fields and 6 nests (29%) in and grasshoppers (Ohanjanian 1992). pure cheatgrass fields. Cheatgrass heights in nesting Campbell (1972) reported that a late migrant female fields were less than 10 cm. Redmond and Jenni (1986) collected on 27 April 1972 at the Vancouver International and Pampush and Anthony (1993) found that curlews in Airport had 31 earthworms and 17 beetles in its stomach. the Columbia Basin of Idaho and Oregon were concen- On the wintering grounds in coastal California, curlews trated on sites with pure cheatgrass cover. Cole and Sharpe forage on burrow-dwelling crustaceans such as mud (1976) found that curlews were restricted to grazed sites crabs (63%), mud shrimp (7%) and ghost shrimp (26%) on sandhills prairie in Nebraska. Nests are placed on rel- (Stenzel et al. 1976). atively flat areas (Allen 1980). Broods are reared in habitats where vegetation is Disturbance Ð Long-billed Curlews seem rather higher, presumably important for shading the small tolerant of human disturbance in terms of minor habitat chicks and providing cover from predators (Allen 1980). degradation and change. The use of agricultural sites such Wetter meadows are often chosen at this time (Cannings as alfalfa fields, grain fields and hay meadows for et al. 1987), perhaps providing more appropriate food foraging and even nesting indicates considerable adapt- for the juveniles, which are often feeding themselves ability. Curlews are tolerant of burned rangeland, and (Allen 1980). mayeven benefit from wildfires set on grasslands in late In British Columbia, breeding habitat is found in summer. Such events would not affect nesting, which is the Southern Interior, Southern Interior Mountains and over by late June, and apparently produce high-quality Central Interior Ecoprovinces (Table 2) (definitions in nesting habitat the following spring (Redmond and Demarchi 1996). Natural breeding habitat is essentially Jenni 1986). Fluctuating water table levels may affect restricted to the very dry subzones (xh, xm and xw) of brood-rearing habitats, but no data are available. the Bunchgrass (BG), Ponderosa Pine (PP), and Interior Douglas-fir (IDF) biogeoclimatic zones (see Meidinger HABITAT and Pojar 1991 for a description of these zones). Breeding also occurs in agricultural habitats in otherwise unsuitable Breeding Habitat biogeoclimatic zones, such as the Interior Cedar- Hemlock Zone at Creston and the Sub-boreal Spruce Zone at Long-billed Curlews nest on grasslands, preferring dry, McBride. short-grass habitats to lusher pastures (Pampush and Anthony 1993). Hooper and Pitt (1996) provide a detailed Migration and Wintering Habitat analysis of curlew nesting habitat in the Riske Creek area, stating: Migrating Long-billed Curlews usually stop over in upland habitats very similar to breeding habitat (Johnsgard Curlews were most common on gently sloping, 1981). Ohanjanian (1985) mentions that early migrants high-elevation, north-facing sites. Curlews were in the East Kootenay tend to forage on alfalfa fields, where also most abundant on sites with short, open they feed on earthworms. When foraging on alfalfa fields vegetation, low shrub cover, high grass cover, wet with rain or sprinkler irrigation, curlews could obtain and reduced patchiness of bare ground. Curlew three times the number of food items than on adjacent numbers increased with spring and summer native grasslands (Ohanjanian 1992). On the British grazing levels....Highest curlew breeding den- Columbia coast, Campbell (1972) reports curlews from sities were on north-facing sites averaging 940 m a variety of shoreline habitats, predominantly mudflats. elevation, with a slope of 3 ,May-June vegetation ∞ Wintering curlews are found in shallow water habitats height of 5-8 cm, vegetation vertical cover of 14- in both inland and coastal situations (Johnsgard 1981). 22%, grass cover of 41%, and shrub cover of Along coasts, they normally feed on tidal flats during 0.3%. Curlew densities were also highest on sites low tide and roost on nearby wetlands at high tide 1. with spring grazing levels averaging 1.4 AU/ha (Root 1988).

1 AU/ha=Animal Unit/hectare, or one cow-calf pair per hectare of grassland through the spring grazing period.

5 Table 2. Ecoprovinces, ecoregions and ecosections1, biogeoclimatic zones2, and broad ecosystem units3 with Long-billed Curlew breeding habitat in British Columbia. Question marks indicate areas with apparently suitable habitat but no definite breeding records. * categories indicate that breeding occurs there only in cultivated fields.

Ecoprovince Ecoregion Ecosection

Southern Interior Northern Cascades Okanagan Range Okanagan Highland Southern Okanagan Basin Thompson-Okanagan Plateau Southern Okanagan Highland Northern Okanagan Basin Northern Okanagan Highland Northern Thompson Upland Southern Thompson Upland Thompson Basin Southern Interior Mountains Southern Rocky Mountain Trench East Kootenay Trench Upper Fraser Trench* Northern Columbia Mountains* Southern Columbia Mountains* Central Interior Fraser River Plateau Cariboo Basin Sub-boreal Interior* Fraser Basin* Nechako Lowland*

Biogeoclimatic Zone Subzone

Bunchgrass Very Dry Hot BGxh Very Dry Warm BGxw Ponderosa pine Dry Hot PPdh Very Dry Hot PPxh Interior Douglas-fir Very Dry Hot IDFxh Very Dry Warm IDFxw Very Dry Mild IDFxm Dry Mild* IDFdm? Dry Cool* IDFdk? Interior Cedar-Hemlock Very Dry Warm ICHxw Dry Warm ICHdw Moist Mild ICHmm Sub-boreal Spruce Dry Warm* SBSdw Moist Cool* SBSmk

Broad Ecosystem Unit

AB Antelope-brush Shrub/grassland BS Bunchgrass-Grassland Steppe CF Cultivated Field* ME Meadon SS Big Sage Shrub/grassland WL Wetland

1 Demarchi 1996 2 Meidinger and Pojar 1991 3 BC Ministry of Forests 1997

6 Habitat Trends 500 birds. Considering the population estimates given in the section on British Columbia distribution on page 4, Habitat loss was rapid and substantial on the Great Plains an minimum population estimate of 500 birds (250 pairs) in the 1800s. In British Columbia, serious habitat loss seems reasonable. Hooper and Pitt (1996) conserva- has been largely restricted to the Okanagan and Thompson tively estimated the population on their Chilcotin study valleys. In the Okanagan, the transformation of grass- area (Gang Ranch north to Riske Creek and west to lands to orchards and vineyards began at the turn of the Hanceville) to be 135 in 1991 and 170 in 1992, and century and continues to this day, especially with regards Elsie Stanley estimated the McBride population to be to vineyards. Recent housing developments have added around 25 pairs in 1996. Ohanjanian (1992) counted 42 to the impact of agriculture, and less than 40% of the low pairs in the East Kootenay area in 1992, up from 31 in elevation Okanagan grasslands remain (Cannings et al. 1998). 1986. Most of the latter increase occurred on the St. Several hundred hectares of possible curlew habitat in the Mary’s Indian Reserve (from one up to six pairs) and at Thompson and Fraser valleys have been converted to ginseng Grasmere/Tobacco Plains (from 9 up to 12 pairs). production and are now totally unsuitable for curlews. Historically, populations in the Okanagan Valley Elsewhere in the southern interior of British Columbia, apparently declined in the early 1900s (Brooks 1918). agricultural developments on grasslands are primarily Yocom (1956) reports a similar pattern in Washington, for alfalfa, grains and other field crops. Long-billed where populations declined in eastern Washington after Curlews seem to tolerate these activities, especially in European settlement and attendant intensive agriculture, central British Columbia, and may have even benefited then increased somewhat on poorer quality lands (channeled with the clearing of lowland forests in the upper Fraser scablands) as small-holding farms reverted to large and North Thompson valleys. ranches in the late 1940s and early 1950s. Pampush and Very little of British Columbia’s grasslands are pro- Anthony (1993) suggest that a drastic reduction in breeding tected by Crown Land designations such as parks, eco- populations in the Columbia Basin occurred in the 1970s logical reserves or wildlife management areas. Only 10 when hundreds of thousands of hectares of shrub-steppe to 20 pairs of curlews in British Columbia nest on land vegetation were converted to circle-pivot irrigation systems. that has some sort of environmental protection. Junction Counts by the North Okanagan Naturalists Club Provincial Park near Riske Creek provides some pro- indicated a sizable population in the north end of the valley tection over 410 ha of curlew habitat, but supports only (Vernon to Enderby) in the early 1980s, with a direct count 1-3 pairs of curlews (Hooper and Pitt 1996), and the of 61 birds and an estimate of the overall population of South Okanagan Wildlife Management Area near Osoyoos 120 birds in 1982 (Siddle 1995). Counts in 1995, however, has a similar population. The Nature Trust of British suggest a significant drop in numbers, with only 9 birds Columbia holds a grazing lease over federal Crown seen (Siddle 1995). In the south Okanagan, numbers at Lands at White Lake that might contain one or two curlew White Lake have fluctuated between zero and 8 pairs over territories. A new protected area at Lac du Bois will contain the last 20 years, and these fluctuations apparently some curlew territories and another at Churn Creek may occurred in the early 1900s as well (Cannings et al. 1987, protect curlews as well, but in general more protected pers. obs.). Populations in the Thompson Valley and areas need to be designated on British Columbia grasslands. Cariboo-Chilcotin have likely been more or less stable, but In all, less than ten percent of the Long-billed Curlew hard data are lacking. Populations in the Rocky Mountain population in the province nests on lands with any degree Trench have clearly increased in the last 25 years from of protection. There are nine pairs of curlews nesting on only a few individuals to over 40 breeding pairs Crown Land in the Skookumchuck Prairie area (Ohanjanian (Ohanjanian 1992). 1992). All Crown Land in the province with breeding Data from the North American Breeding Bird Survey curlews should be designated to provide complete pro- show a general decline in Long-billed Curlew numbers tection against development but allow non-destructive from 1966 through 1994, particularly from 1971 onward activities such as fall grazing. Most of the British (Sauer et al. 1995). Most of this decline is apparently on Columbia curlew population nests on private lands, and the Great Plains; populations in the intermontane regions a concerted programme of public education and stew- seem to be more or less stable, with increasing populations ardship would be a great benefit to the species. in Idaho and the Columbia Plateau. Breeding Bird Survey data from British Columbia are too scanty for analysis, but POPULATION SIZE AND TRENDS the overall population trend seems to be at least stable, with some areas decreasing and others increasing. De Smet (1992) estimated that the Long-billed Curlew population in British Columbia was between 300 and

7 LEGAL PROTECTION Fire Suppression

The Long-billed Curlew and its nests and eggs are pro- Fire suppression has undoubtedly had a negative effect tected in Canada and the United States from hunting and on Long-billed Curlew habitat in British Columbia, both collecting under the Federal Migratory Birds Convention through direct loss of grassland habitat through forest Act of 1994. In British Columbia it is also protected encroachment and through the growth of tall grasses and under the Wildlife Act of 1982. Implementation of biodi- shrubs that are generally avoided by curlews. Redmond versity guidelines and the Identified Wildlife Manage- and Jenni (1986) note that curlew breeding densities ment Strategy under the Forest Practices Code of British were very high in an area burned the previous summer. Columbia Act may provide habitat protection for Long- Ohanjanian (1992) found that curlew populations increased billed Curlews on Crown Land. after patches of encroaching forests were removed. In the East Kootenay, curlews will only use grassland areas LIMITING FACTORS at least 250 m across (Ohanjanian 1992), but in the Chilcotin they may require larger open areas (Hooper Urban and Agricultural Developments and Cooper 1997).

Habitat loss has been one of the most serious problems Illegal Shooting for Long-billed Curlews over most of their range, particularly on the Great Plains. On the Canadian prairies, Unregulated hunting has been blamed for the widespread between 76% and 99% of the native grasslands have been decline of Long-billed Curlews in the 1800s (Bent 1929). lost, primarily to agricultural development (Pitt and The same market hunting pressures that wiped out the Hooper 1994). Habitat loss has been significant for British Eskimo Curlew (Numenius borealis) effectively cut Long- Columbia populations of the Long-billed Curlew only in billed Curlew numbers in half (Bent 1929, Pampush 1980). the Thompson and Okanagan Valleys. This loss of Curlews have been protected in North America since habitat in southern British Columbia may have been 1917, but illegal shooting is still an occasional cause of counterbalanced by the clearing of land for field crops mortality. Redmond and Jenni (1986) attributed the such as alfalfa and grains in formerly forested valleys, deaths of three adults in their Idaho study to small-caliber such as the upper Fraser near McBride and the North gunshot wounds, and suspected shooting in another three Thompson in the Clearwater area. These fields are com- deaths. No data is available from British Columbia on patible with curlew habitat needs, as long as short-grass this issue. habitats are available for nesting from March through late May. These more northern areas now support Introduction of Alien Species curlew populations where there was little if any habitat available 50 years ago. Ohanjanian (1992) felt that, in the Cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) is one of the commonest East Kootenay, alfalfa fields were beneficial in some and most invasive alien plant species present in the dry ways in providing high quality early spring foraging grasslands of British Columbia. Interestingly, Long- opportunities, but were inappropriate for nesting habitat billed Curlews seem to prefer areas infested with cheat- and any further loss of native grasslands would be detri- grass to natural bunchgrass habitats for nesting, perhaps mental to the curlew population there. because the short cheatgrass allows the curlews to detect predators from a greater distance (Allen 1980, Redmond Grazing and Jenni 1986, Pampush and Anthony 1993). On the other hand, areas infested with other invasive species, Most studies of Long-billed Curlew habitat show a particularly the knapweeds Centaurea diffusa and Centaurea positive effect of grazing on curlew breeding densities maculata, and older plantings of crested wheatgrass, (e.g. Redmond and Jenni 1986, Hooper and Pitt 1996). Agropyron cristatum,are likely avoided by curlews This is likely because grazing produces the short grass since the thick growth and height of these plants would and open ground favoured by curlews for predator detection inhibit movement on the ground and hamper visibility and chick mobility. Heavy grazing during the breeding (Ohanjanian 1992). season may be detrimental however, since trampling by livestock can be a significant source of nest loss (Redmond and Jenni 1986).

8 Pesticides rains. They speculated that the lush vegetation resulting from the rain either hampered chick movement and made Blus et al. (1985) document one adult curlew mortality them more vulnerable to predation or that the vegetation in northern Oregon attributed to ingestion of chlordane, hid small mammal prey and forced the raptors to hunt suggesting that the bird encountered the chemical on its young birds such as curlews. Perhaps a more direct result wintering grounds in Mexico, where chlordane was still of heavy rains would be their chilling effect; wet chicks in use. They also found that eggs from northern Oregon may well die quickly from hypothermia. A high showed some eggshell thinning presumably because of incidence of fatal aspergillosis in chicks reported by DDE residues, but the thinning was not serious enough Redmond and Jenni (1986) may have been weather- to cause any mortality. No data is available from British related. Redmond and Jenni (1986) also noticed three Columbia on this issue. fatal cases of egg dehydration after drought conditions one spring. Predation SPECIAL SIGNIFICANCE OF THE SPECIES No data on predation of Long-billed Curlews in British Columbia are available in the literature, though predation Around the world, curlews and their ringing calls are is likely to be similar to that in adjacent jurisdictions. symbols of wide open spaces and wild grasslands. They Allen (1980) lists coyotes (Canis latrans) and are large, conspicuous birds Ð the Long-billed Curlew is Black-billed Magpies (Pica pica) as the most important the largest sandpiper in the world Ð and thus much sought nest predators of curlews in southern Washington, followed after and appreciated by birders and other wildlife by Common Ravens (Corvus corax), Gopher Snakes enthusiasts. Several species in the genus are critically (Pituophis catenifer) and perhaps Badgers (Taxidea taxus). endangered, including the Eskimo Curlew in the New Tremaine (1975) also cites Gopher Snakes as predators World and the Slender-billed Curlew (Numenius tenuirostris) of curlew nests. Redmond and Jenni (1986) found that in the Old World. The rampant trade in feathers at the turn Badgers were especially serious predators when curlews of the century as well as the market value of wild birds for nested in an area of high groundsquirrel abundance, meat drove many species to extinction or near extinction. whereas dogs and Coyotes were important predators at This widespread destruction of bird populations led to the other sites. Migratory Birds Convention Act of 1917. Allen (1980) stressed that predators could find nests While the Long-billed Curlew escaped the near-total more easily if they were visited frequently by humans. destruction inflicted on the Eskimo Curlew, it is a species Redmond and Jenni (1986) recommend that PDB crystals of concern throughout much of its range. It has disap- (mothballs) be sprinkled across the route walked to a peared from most of its range in eastern North America, curlew nest to reduce mammalian predation. both on the breeding grounds east of the Mississippi Young birds are taken by Long-tailed Weasels (Mustela River and the wintering grounds along the Atlantic frenata) and a variety of raptors including Swainson’s coast. The Audubon Society placed it on the Blue List of Hawks (Buteo swainsoni),Ferruginous Hawks (Buteo species with noncyclic population declines in 1981 and regalis) and Great Horned Owls (Bubo virginianus) (Allen 1982 (Tate 1981; Tate and Tate 1982). COSEWIC con- 1980). Redmond and Jenni (1986) found that raptors siders the Long-billed Curlew Vulnerable in Canada were responsible for 73% of all losses of young birds. (De Smet 1992), similar to its Blue List designation in British Columbia. Alberta has placed it on its Red List. The Climatic Effects species is listed as S2 in Washington (L. Ramsay, pers. comm.), essentially a threatened status, but is listed as Allen (1980) and Redmond and Jenni (1986) all found S3 (vulnerable) in Idaho, Oregon and California. significant differences in breeding success from year to Long-billed Curlews share their grassland ecosystems year that they attributed to climatic effects. Allen (1980) with many other threatened and endangered species. suspected that a dry winter resulting in poor grass More than one-third of the birds and mammals listed by growth reduced the concealment of nests and thus indi- COSEWIC in Canada are grassland and parkland species, rectly caused a dramatic increase in Coyote predation. and 40 of the 147 vertebrates on the BC Environment Red On the other hand, the dry winter may have reduced and Blue lists are grassland specialists (S. G. Cannings, alternate prey for Coyotes (e.g. mice), forcing the pers. comm.). With its large size and loud calls, the Long- Coyotes to turn to birds nests for food. Redmond and billed Curlew is a strong symbol of the grassland ecosystem Jenni (1986) found, however, that highest chick mor- and its threatened status; it is now the symbol of the British tality occurred in a year of abnormally heavy spring Columbia Grassland Council.

9 RECOMMENDATIONS/MANAGEMENT Grazing Ð Long-billed Curlews seem to tolerate rel- OPTIONS atively high grazing levels at certain timesÐthey are sensitive to heavy grazing during nesting, so fall grazing Habitat Management may be preferable. Dry grasslands should generally not be grazed in summer in British Columbia to allow bunch- Long-billed Curlews need a mosaic of grassland grasses to store energy for the fall-winter dormant periods. habitats Ð dry, open grasslands for nesting and moister, Areas sown to crested wheatgrass should be grazed heavily shrubbier habitats for brood-rearingÐ and any manage- in the fall to reduce residual grass (Ohanjanian 1992). ment prescription designed to produce such a mix would Fire Ð Redmond and Jenni (1986) report a marked serve curlews well. Many of the other threatened and increase in breeding densities after a late-summer fire endangered species found on British Columbia grasslands the previous year. Ohanjanian (1992) characterized fire have different habitat preferences in terms of seral stage suppression as a serious threat to the open grassland and species composition. Grasshopper Sparrows and habitat favoured by curlews, but also found that curlews Sharptailed Grouse, for instance, prefer lightly grazed will use areas after the removal of encroaching forests areas of high grass, while Sage Thrashers require rela- created grassland openings more than 250 m across. tively dense stands of large sagebrush. Managing for all Where appropriate, prescribed burns may be a highly these species will be challenging. desirable management tool to create habitat mosaics. Fields planted to alfalfa or grains are readily used by curlews, but more data are needed on when and how Alien plant species ÐNesting Long-billed Curlews these habitats are used and the breeding success of pairs at least tolerate and seem to even prefer cheatgrass using them. habitats to those of native bunchgrasses, since they The Identified Wildlife Management Strategy contains provide low, open cover that is ideal for nest placement the following recommendations for Long-billed Curlew and movement of young. On the other hand, knapweeds management in its General Wildlife Measures section: are probably highly detrimental to curlew habitat since they would obscure vision and restrict the movement of ¥ Do not construct roads unless there is no other prac- feeding birds, particularly young. Ohanjanian (1992) ticable option ... Limit road use during the breeding found that curlews nested in crested wheatgrass (Agropyron season (March 15-July 15) cristatum) habitats shortly after planting, but avoided ¥ Areas can be grazed to a level that produces low those areas in future years after the grass grew tall and profile vegetation (less than 30 cm) very early in the retained high residual vegetation. Control of invasive spring (before April 15) or in summer and fall (after species would likely benefit curlew nesting. July 15). However fall grazing is the preferable strategy, thereby avoiding the range damage that Habitat Protection may result from turning cattle out too early. More areas of grassland habitat need to be protected ¥ Avoid seeding with crested wheatgrass. Where such from development throughout the range of the Long- seeding occur, they should be managed by grazing billed Curlew in British Columbia. There is some oppor- to maintain low profile vegetation. tunity to protect grasslands on Crown Lands, particularly ¥ Do not establish recreational trails in the East Kootenay at Skookumchuck Prairie and near Grasmere (Ohanajanian 1992). Some federal Crown ¥ Grasslands that have been converted to crested Land contains prime curlew habitat, including the military wheatgrass pastures should be revegetated to native reserve on Becher’s Prairie near Riske Creek and the bunchgrasses where the habitat capability is high. National Research Council property at White Lake in ¥ Do not allow site to be converted to crop land. the Okanagan. However, much of the curlew habitat in the province is on private lands, so protection would have ¥ Manage the forest fringe to minimize or reverse to take the form of stewardship agreements, including forest encroachment using slashing or other suitable environmental convenants on the property, and some methods. limited land acquisition by agencies such as the Nature Trust of British Columbia. These guidelines also include a recommendation that fire not be used in nesting areas. Presumably, this means during the nesting season, since fall burning can produce excellent curlew habitat (Redmond and Jenni 1996).

10 Public Education ¥ significant areas of curlew breeding habitat in native grasslands are protected throughout the province. The Long-billed Curlew is a large, striking bird that would This is especially important in the Okanagan, Nicola be an ideal symbol for programmes promoting the con- and East Kootenay areas where little, if any, grassland servation of grasslands in British Columbia. Since habitat is presently protected. At least three areas pro- private lands are a major part of curlew habitat in the tecting more than 25 pairs of curlews each should be province, stewardship programmes that provide infor- protected through designation of Crown Land, con- mation to landowners on threatened species such as curlews servation covenants on private land, or acquisition of will have to be an integral part of any management plan. important habitats. ¥ management strategies based on data from local Future Research studies are implemented to maintain breeding populations throughout the province. Studies should be undertaken to examine the habitat use and viability of populations breeding in agricultural habitats at the northern end of the species’ range REFERENCES (e.g. McBride, Clearwater, Vanderhoof). It would be extremely useful to know how productive these popu- Allen, J.N. 1980. The ecology and behavior of the Long- lations are and what agricultural practices are most billed Curlew in southeastern Washington. Wild. amenable to nesting success. Studies are also needed in Monogr. 73:1-67. areas of intense development pressures such as the Okanagan Valley (e.g. Armstrong, Oliver) to ascertain American Ornithologists Union. 1983. Check-list of details of habitat use and develop meaningful man- North American birds, 6th ed. agement strategies. Bent, A.C. 1929. Life histories of North American Population Surveys shorebirds. U.S. Natl. Mus. Bull. No. 146. 412pp.

While Long-billed Curlew populations in the Chilcotin Blus, L.J., C.J. Henny, and A.J. Krynitsky. 1985. Organo- and East Kootenay regions are relatively well known chlorine-induced mortality and residues in Long- (Ohanjanian 1992, Hooper and Pitt 1996), those in other billed Curlews from Oregon. Condor 87:563-565. areas have rarely been surveyed. An accurate estimate of the curlew populations in the Thompson, Nicola and British Columbia Ministry of Forests. 1997. Species and Okanagan valleys is clearly needed. plant community accounts for identified wildlife Ideally, annual monitoring programmes should be (Forest Practices Code of British Columbia). B.C. set up to get at least a relative abundance index from all Minist. For. and B.C. Minist. Environ., Lands and breeding areas. These surveys should be carried out to Parks, Victoria, BC. 171pp. the standards listed by Ohanjanian (1992:35); these standards are somewhat more rigorous than those Brooks, A.C. 1918. Brief notes on the prevalence of outlined in the RIC survey standards for shorebirds. certain birds in British Columbia. Can. Field-Nat. 31:139-141. EVALUATION Brooks, A.C., and H.S. Swarth. 1925. A distributional Considering recent population declines in the Okanagan checklist of the birds of British Columbia. Pacific Valley and perhaps in the Kamloops area, and the con- Coast Avifauna 17:1-158. tinued loss of grassland habitat throughout the province, the Long-billed Curlew should be considered vulnerable, Campbell, R.W. 1972. Coastal records of the Long- and remain on the provincial Blue List. It should remain billed Curlew for British Columbia. Can. Field-Nat. on the Blue List until: 86:167-168. ¥ surveys indicate a stable or increasing provincial Campbell, R.W., N.K. Dawe, I. McTaggart-Cowan, population. J. M. Cooper, G. W. Kaiser, M. C. E. McNall. 1990. The birds of British Columbia, Vol. 2. Royal British Columbia Mus., Victoria, BC. 636pp.

11 Cannings, R.A., R.J. Cannings and S.G. Cannings. 1987. Johnsgard, P.A. 1981. The plovers, sandpipers and The birds of the Okanagan Valley, British Columbia. snipes of the world. Univ. Nebraska Press, Lincoln, Royal British Columbia Mus., Victoria, BC. 420pp. NB. 393pp.

Cannings, R.J. 1998. The birds of British Columbia: a McNeil, R., J.R. Rodriguez and F. Mercier. 1985. Winter taxonomic catalogue. BC Minist. Environ., Lands range expansion of the Long-billed Curlew (Numenius and Parks, Wildl. Branch, Victoria, BC., 252pp. americanus) to South America. Auk 102:174-175.

Cannings, R.J., E. Durance and L.K. Scott. 1998. Meidinger, D. and J. Pojar. 1991. Ecosystems of British South Okanagan Ecosystem Recovery Plan: Columbia. B.C. Minist. Forests, Victoria, BC. 330pp. Scientific Assessment. BC Environ., Penticton, BC unpubl. draft. Munro, J. A. and I. McT. Cowan. 1947. The bird fauna of British Columbia. B.C. Prov. Mus., Spec. Pub. No. 2, Cole, T. and R.S. Sharpe. 1976. The effects of grazing Victoria, BC. management on a sandhills prairie community. III. Breeding bird density and diversity. Proc. Nebr. Ohanjanian, I. A. 1985. The Long-billed Curlew, Numenius Acad. Sci. Affil. Soc. 86:12. americanus, on Skookumchuck Prairie: status report and enhancement plan. B.C. Fish and Wildl. Branch, Demarchi, D.A. 1996. An introduction to the ecoregions Cranbrook, BC. 52pp. of British Columbia. B.C. Minist. Environ., Lands and Parks, Wildl. Branch, Victoria, BC. Draft rep. ———. 1986. The Long-billed Curlew in the east Kootenay: status report and enhancement schedule De Smet, K.D. 1992. Status report on the Long-billed for Skookumchuck Prairie. B.C. Fish and Wildl. Curlew Numenius americanus in Canada. Comm. Branch, Cranbrook. 24pp. on the Status of Endangered Wildl. in Can. 28pp. ———. 1987. Status report and management recom- Fitzner, J.N. 1978. The ecology and behavior of the mendations for the Long-billed Curlew (Numenius Long-billed Curlew (Numenius americanus) in americanus) on the Junction. B.C. Fish and Wildl. southeastern Washington. Ph.D. Thesis, Branch, Williams Lake, BC. 24pp. Washington State University, Pullman, WA. ———. 1992. Numbers, distribution and habitat dynamics Fraser, D.F., T.Hooper and L.R. Ramsay. n.d. of Long-billed Curlews in the East Kootenay. Wildl. Preliminary species management plan for the Long- Branch, BC Environ., Cranbrook, BC. 41pp. billed Curlew in British Columbia. Wildl. Branch, BC Environ., Victoria, BC. Pampush, G.J. 1980. Status report on the Long-billed Curlew in the Columbia and northern Great Basins. Hooper, T.D., and J.M. Cooper. 1997. Managing for US Fish and Wildl. Serv., Portland, OR. 55pp., high priority identified wildlife species in the Unpubl. rep. Cariboo Region: a problem analysis. BC Environ., Williams Lake, BC. Pampush, G.J., and R.G. Anthony. 1993. Nest success, habitat utilization and nest-site selection of Long- Hooper, T.D., and M.D. Pitt. 1995. Problem analysis for billed Curlews in the Columbia Basin, Oregon. Chilcotin-Cariboo grassland biodiversity. B.C. Condor 95:957-967. Minist. Environ., Lands and Parks, Victoria, BC. Wildl. Bull. No. B-82. 106pp. Pitt, M.D., and T.D. Hooper. 1994. Threats to biodiversity of grasslands in British Columbia. Pages ———. 1996. Breeding bird communities and habitat 279-292 in L.E. Harding and E. McCullum, eds., associations in the grasslands of the Chilcotin Biodiversity in British Columbia. Environ. Can., region, British Columbia. Canada-British Columbia Vancouver, BC. Partnership Agreement on Forest Resource Development: FRDA II. Redmond, R.L., and D.A. Jenni. 1986. Population ecology of the Long-billed Curlew (Numenius americanus) in western Idaho. Auk 103:755-767.

12 Root, T. 1988. Atlas of wintering North American birds. Tate, J. 1981. The Blue List for 1981. Am. Birds 35:3-10. Univ. Chicago Press, Chicago, IL. 312pp. Tate, J., and D.J. Tate. The Blue List for 1982. Am. Sadler, D.A.R., and W.J. Maher. 1976. Notes on the Birds 36:126-135. Long-billed Curlew in Saskatchewan. Auk 93:382- 384. Timken, R.L. 1969. Notes on the Long-billed Curlew. Auk 86:750-751. Sauer, J.R., B.G. Peterjohn, S. Schwartz, and J.E. Hines. 1995. The Grassland Bird Home Page. Version Tremaine, M.M. 1975. Life at an avocet nest. Audubon 95.0. Patuxent Wildl. Research Center, Laurel, MD. 77:68-75.

Semenchuck, G.P., ed. 1992. The atlas of breeding birds Van Damme, L.M. 1996. Creston Valley: Checklist of of Alberta. Fed. Alberta Nat., Edmonton, AB. 390pp. birds. Nelson Nat., Nelson, BC.

Siddle, C.R. 1995. North Okanagan Long-billed Curlew Yocom, C.F. 1956. Re-establishment of breeding popu- census. Report to BC Environ., Penticton, BC. lations of Long-billed Curlews in southeastern Washington. Wilson Bull. 68:228-231. Stenzel, L.E., H.R. Huber and G.W. Page. 1976. Feeding behavior and diet of the Long-billed Curlew and Willet. Wilson Bull. 88:314-332.

13 14 Wildlife Working Reports may be cited, but the preliminary nature of the data they contain should be noted. Working Reports 1-39 (and others) are presently out of print, but photocopies may be available through the Wildlife Branch, Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks or other agencies. Titles of Working Reports 1-35 are available on request.

WR-40 Wolf-prey dynamics. Proceedings of a symposium sponsored by B.C. Ministry of Environment, Wildlife Branch, Faculty of Forestry, University of British Columbia and the Northwest Wildlife Preservation Society. February 1989. 188pp. WR-41 Caribou research and management in B.C.: proceedings of a workshop. R.Page, ed. November 1988. 275pp. (Also printed as WHR-27) WR-42 Trapping in British Columbia - a survey. R. Reid. January 1989. 55pp. WR-43 Biophysical habitat units of the Lower Halfway study area: expanded legend. E.C. Lea and L.E.H. Lacelle. December 1989. 33pp. WR-44 Long range habitat planning: proceedings. M. Fenger and V. Stevens, eds. March 1990. 49pp. WR-45 Biophysical habitat units of the Mosley Creek study area: expanded legend and interpretations. E.C. Lea and R.C. Kowall. March 1990. 33pp.

WR-46 Habitat Management Section. Annual General Meeting. Yellowpoint Lodge - 1989 April 25-27. Wildlife and Recreational Fisheries Branches, Ministry of Environment. July 1990. 107pp. WR-47 Working plan — Khutzeymateen Valley grizzly bear study. A.N. Hamilton and J.A. Nagy. September 1990. 35pp. (Also printed as WHR-28). WR-48 Khutzeymateen Valley grizzly bear study. Annual progress report - year 1 (1989/90), annual working plan - year 2 (1990/91). J.A. Nagy and A.G. MacHutchon. January 1991. 44pp. (Also printed as WHR-29). WR-49 Fort Nelson and area average winter maximum snowpack mapping. R. Chilton. July 1990. 12pp. WR-50 Marten habitat suitability research project - working plan. E.C. Lofroth and V. Banci. January 1991. 31pp. WR-51 Khutzeymateen Valley grizzly bear study. Annual progress report - year 2 (1990/91), annual working plan - year 3 (1991/92). A.G. MacHutchon and S. Himmer. March 1992. 36pp. (Also printed as WHR-30) WR-52 Abundance, Distribution and Conservation of Birds in the Vicinity of Boundary Bay, B.C. R.W. Butler, ed. 1992. 132pp. (Also printes as Technical Report Series No. 155, Pacific and Yukon Region, Can. Wildlife Service). WR-53 Status of the Clouded Salamander in British Columbia. T.M. Davis and P.T. Gregory. March 1993. 19pp. WR-54 Status of the Northern Pacific Rattlesnake in British Columbia. M.B. Charland, K.J. Nelson, P.T. Gregory. March 1993. 23 pp. WR-55 Status of the Shrew-mole in British Columbia. L. Kremsater, L. Andrusiak, F.L. Bunnell. March 1993. 26 pp. WR-56 Status of the Nuttall’s Cottontail in British Columbia. D.W. Carter, A. Harestad, F.L. Bunnell. March 1993. 33 pp. WR-57 Status of the Sharp-tailed Snake in British Columbia. D.J. Spalding. March 1993. 15pp. WR-58 Guidelines for Technical Publications of the Wildlife Program. E. Stanlake. March 1993. 57pp. WR-59 Status of Keen's Long-eared Myotis in British Columbia. M. Firman, M. Getty, and R.M.B. Barclay. March 1993. 29pp.

WR-60 Biophysical Habitat Units for the Tatlayoko Lake Study Area: expanded legend and interpretations. E.C. Lea and R.C. Kowall. March 1993. 22pp. WR-61 Status of the Pallid Bat in British Columbia. K. Chapman, K. Mc Guinness, R.M. Brigham. February 1994. 32pp. WR-62 Status of the Bald Eagle in British Columbia. D.A. Blood and G. G. Anweiler. February 1994. 92pp WR-63 A Survey of the Bat Fauna of the Dry Interior of British Columbia. S.L. Holroyd, R.M.R. Barclay, L.M. Merk, and R.M. Brigham. March 1994. 80pp. WR-64 Distribution and Abundance of Four Species of Small Mammals At Risk in a Fragmented Landscape. G.A. Zuleta and C. Galindo-Leal. March 1994. 80pp. WR-65 Problem Analysis of Integrated Resource Management of Riparian Areas in British Columbia. S.L. Rautio, P. Bunnell. March 1994. 26pp. (Also RRP3003-HQ Minist. of For. Res. Br.) WR-66 A Bibliography of Selected Literature on Wildlife Trees with Annotations and Abstracts. Wildlife Tree Committee. December 1994. 90pp. WR-67 Status of the Vaux's Swift in British Columbia. K. Summers and M. Gebauer. March 1995. 24pp. WR-68 Status of the White-throated Swift in British Columbia. K. Summers. March 1995. 24pp. WR-69 Status of the Williamson's Sapsucker in British Columbia. J.M. Cooper. March 1995. 24pp. WR-70 Status of the Sharp-tailed Grouse in British Columbia. R. Ritcey. March 1995. 52pp. Continued from inside back cover:

WR-71 Status of the Western Harvest Mouse in British Columbia. D.W. Nagorsen. March 1995. 32pp. WR-72 Status of the Badger in British Columbia. A.H. Rahme, A.S. Harestad and F.L. Bunnell. March 1995. 64pp. WR-73 Status of the Fringed Myotis in British Columbia. S.A. Rasheed, P.F.J. Garcia, and S.L. Holroyd. October 1995. 28pp. WR-74 Status of the Western Small-footed Myotis in British Columbia. P.F.J. Garcia, S.A. Rasheed, and S.L. Holroyd. October 1995. 24pp. WR-75 Status of the Spotted Bat in British Columbia. P.F.J. Garcia, S.A. Rasheed, and S.L. Holroyd. October 1995. 24pp. WR-76 The Distribution, Abundance, and Habitat Requirements of Selected Passerine Birds of the Boreal and Taiga Plains of British Columbia. K.A. Enns and C. Siddle. March 1996. 54pp. WR-77 Status of the Brewer's Sparrow (breweri subspecies) in British Columbia. M.J. Sarell and K.P. McGuinness. March 1996. 22pp. WR-78 Status of the Green Heron in British Columbia. D.F. Fraser and L.R. Ramsay. March 1996. 28pp. WR-79 Status of the Bay-breasted Warbler in British Columbia. J.M. Cooper, K.A. Enns, and M.G. Shepard. February 1997. 36pp. WR-80 Status of the Black-throated Warbler in British Columbia. J.M. Cooper, K.A. Enns, and M.G. Shepard. February 1997. 36pp. WR-81 Status of the Canada Warbler in British Columbia. J.M. Cooper, K.A. Enns, and M.G. Shepard. February 1997. 36pp. WR-82 Status of the Cape May Warbler in British Columbia. J.M. Cooper, K.A. Enns, and M.G. Shepard. February 1997. 34pp. WR-83 Status of the Connecticut Warbler in British Columbia. J.M. Cooper, K.A. Enns, and M.G. Shepard. February 1997. 32pp. WR-84 Status of the Philadelphia Vireo in British Columbia. J.M. Cooper, K.A. Enns, and M.G. Shepard. February 1997. 32pp. WR-85 Status of the Prairie Falcon in the Chilcotin-Cariboo region, British Columbia. T.D. Hooper. March 1997. 22pp. WR-86 Status of the Upland Sandpiper in the Chilcotin-Cariboo region, British Columbia. T.D. Hooper. March 1997. 26pp. WR-87 Status of the Western Grebe in British Columbia. A.E.Burger. March 1997. 40pp. WR-88 Status of the Sprague's Pipit in British Columbia. T.D. Hooper. March 1997. 20pp. WR-89 Status of the Purple Martin in British Columbia. D.F. Fraser, C. Siddle, D. Copley, and E. Walters. March 1997. 38pp. WR-90 Toward a Mountain Caribou Management Strategy for British Columbia - Habitat Requirements and Sub-Population Status. K.Simpson, E. Terry, and D. Hamilton. December 1997. 27pp. WR-91 Status of the Lewis' Woodpecker (Melanerpes lewis) in British Columbia. J.M. Cooper, C. Siddle, and G. Davidson. February 1998. 34pp. WR-92 An Inventory Report on the Status of Diurnal Raptors at Risk in the Southern Grasslands of British Columbia. (Ferruginous Hawk, Swainson's Hawk, Prairie Falcon, Peregrine Falcon). J.M. Cooper. February 1998. 24pp.

WR-93 Status of the Bobolink in British Columbia. L.M. Van Damme. March 1999. 18pp. WR-94 An Assessment of Burrowing Owl Reintroduction in the Thompson-Nicola Region: a Summary Report (1992-97). E.E. Leupin and D.J. Low. March 1999. 32pp. WR-95 Status of the Flammulated Owl in British Columbia. A.M. van Woudenberg. March 1999. 38pp. WR-96 Status of the Long-billed Curlew in British Columbia. R.J. Cannings. March 1999. 22pp.